The National Emergency Management Agency has reported that 24 passengers were rescued, 14 bodies recovered, and 42 people remain missing following a boat accident on the River Niger in Ibaji Local Government Area, Kogi State.
NEMA, in a post shared on X on Thursday, said the incident occurred on Tuesday and involved a boat carrying about 80 passengers travelling from Onugwa community to Olushi village in Ibaji LGA.
Boat accidents are a recurring and serious challenge in Nigeria, particularly in riverine states where waterways serve as key transport routes.
Over the years, incidents involving overcrowded vessels, poorly maintained boats, and insufficient adherence to safety regulations have claimed hundreds of lives.
NEMA stated, “According to reports, the incident happened at about 5:40 p.m. on Tuesday, 30th September 2025, when a boat carrying about 80 passengers capsized while en route to Olushi village after departing from Onugwa community in Ibaji LGA.
“Upon receiving the report, the Director General of NEMA, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, immediately activated the Agency’s Abuja Operations Office, directing it to deploy personnel to the scene of the tragedy in support of ongoing local rescue efforts. The deployment underscores NEMA’s resolve to provide timely intervention and strengthen coordination with state and community responders.
“Search and Rescue (SAR) operations commenced swiftly, leading to the rescue of 24 passengers alive. Sadly, 14 corpses have so far been recovered, while 42 persons remain missing as efforts to locate and recover them continue.”